Extreme Devotion — Day 261: Extreme Wallpaper

Podcast: The Voice of The Martyrs
Episode Theme: The Enduring Legacy of Robert J. Thomas in Korea
Date: September 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode tells the powerful story of Robert J. Thomas, one of the first missionaries to Korea, and explores how his seemingly brief and tragic ministry left a profound and lasting legacy. Through the metaphor of “planting seeds,” the host highlights the unseen impact of faith and perseverance, challenging listeners to trust in God's timing and purpose, even when results are not immediate or visible.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Biblical Foundation: The Growth of Spiritual Seeds

• The episode opens by quoting 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 to emphasize that while people may plant or water seeds of faith, it is ultimately God who causes growth and transformation.

  "It's not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow." (A, 00:08)

2. The Sacrificial Journey of Robert J. Thomas

• Background: Thomas and his wife set out in 1863 to be the first missionaries in Korea. Tragically, his wife died soon after arrival.
• Missionary Work: Despite his loss, Thomas learned Korean and shared the Gospel for a few months.
• Martyrdom: On the General Sherman in 1866, Thomas encountered a hostile reception. As Korean soldiers boarded, he offered them a Korean Bible and repeated the name, "Jesus," before he was executed.

  "When Thomas saw that he was going to be killed, he held out the Korean Bible to them saying, 'Jesus, Jesus.' His head was cut off." (A, 01:04)

3. Unexpected and Enduring Results: The ‘Extreme Wallpaper’

• Discovery (25 Years Later): A guest house in the area was found with pages of Korean characters pasted on its walls. These were from the very Bible Thomas had given out.
• Impact: The house owner valued the writing and used the pages for wallpaper; guests came to read the scriptures, spreading the message further.

  "The owner and many of the guests would come in and stay to read the walls. This was the Bible that Thomas had given to his murderers." (A, 01:30)

• Legacy: Thomas, remembered as the “Temporary Missionary,” had sown seeds that continued to bear fruit long after his death.

  "The work of Robert J. Thomas ... continues in North Korea, where now God's word is not only pasted on their walls, but also hidden in their hearts." (A, 01:46)

4. Personal Reflection and Challenge to Listeners

• Metaphor of Gardening: Listeners are asked to imagine planting a garden but leaving before harvest.

  "Imagine planting a garden in the spring, only to move in the summer... All the time and effort... seems wasted." (A, 01:55)

• Higher Stakes: Evangelistic efforts carry significance far beyond garden vegetables; the legacy is spiritual and eternal.
• Encouragement: Even when results are unseen, God’s plans endure.

  "Without the benefit of seeing the fruit of our labors, it can be painful to trust that our hard work will be appreciated and respected. Remember, God is the One who makes all things grow." (A, 02:00)

• Challenging Question: The host ends by urging listeners to consider what “gardens” (ministries or acts of faith) they may need to entrust to others.

  "What gardens do you need to leave for someone else to grow?" (A, 02:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the True Source of Growth:

  "It's not important who does the planting or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow." (A, 00:08)

• On Sacrifice and Witness:

  "When Thomas saw that he was going to be killed, he held out the Korean Bible to them saying, 'Jesus, Jesus.' His head was cut off." (A, 01:04)

• On Lasting Impact:

  "The owner and many of the guests would come in and stay to read the walls. This was the Bible that Thomas had given to his murderers." (A, 01:30)

• On Faith and Patience:

  "Without the benefit of seeing the fruit of our labors, it can be painful to trust that our hard work will be appreciated and respected. Remember, God is the One who makes all things grow." (A, 02:00)

• On Leaving a Legacy:

  "What gardens do you need to leave for someone else to grow?" (A, 02:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–00:15: Opening — Spiritual metaphor from 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
• 00:16–01:04: The story and martyrdom of Robert J. Thomas
• 01:05–01:46: Discovery of the Bible used as wallpaper & its unexpected influence
• 01:47–02:14: Reflection on patience in ministry and the challenge for listeners

Conclusion

In “Extreme Wallpaper,” The Voice of The Martyrs powerfully recounts how faith sown in adversity can flourish in unexpected ways. Listeners are encouraged to trust in God’s unseen handiwork, just as Robert J. Thomas trusted, even in the face of apparent failure. The episode challenges us all to faithfully scatter seeds of faith, knowing the harvest may yet blossom beyond our own lifetimes.